The National Chairman of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club (NFSC), Rev. Samuel Ikpea, has renewed calls for increased support and funding for grassroots sports development in Nigeria.
Ikpea made the call during the finals of the Wonderland Summer Sports Coaching Programme, held at Abesan Estate, Lagos, where he served as one of the patrons through his organization, Dynamic Talents.
He lamented the dwindling fortunes of Nigerian sports at the global stage, attributing it to years of neglect of grassroots development. According to him, replacing Nigeria’s ageing athletes requires deliberate efforts to groom the next generation through structured programmes.
“We need to replace our ageing athletes with new ones, and the only way to achieve this is by organizing more programmes that keep our teenagers and youths engaged. Initiatives like this allow children to showcase their talents while keeping them away from the streets,” Ikpea said.
Commending the young athletes who completed the summer coaching programme, Ikpea urged them to remain focused and committed to their sporting dreams. He also made a cash donation to both participants and officials of the competition.
The finals produced exciting contests across track and field, ball games, and novelty events:
200 metres (Boys): Korede Usman of Yellow House claimed gold ahead of Fortune Edo (Green House) and Daniel Ogunsanwo (Yellow House).
200 metres (Girls): Defending champion Anjola Amusat of Blue House secured her third consecutive title, with Yellow House duo Fiyin Igbasan and Adeyemo Tunmise finishing second and third.
Picking the Ball Race: Folarin Olalekan (Yellow House) beat his brother Anthony Olalekan (Green House) to gold, while AbdulRahman Adeleye (Green House) settled for bronze.
75 metres (Boys): Anthony Olalekan redeemed himself by clinching gold ahead of Folahan Adewale.
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Basketball Shooting Contest: Goodluck Mustapha (Green House) took top spot, with Tunmise Adeyemo and Fiyin Igbasan sharing silver; Racheal Iyere (Blue House) finished third.
Football Shooting Contest: AbdulRahman Adeleye (Green House) won gold, Jesse Azeta took second, and Anthony Olalekan placed third.
Match Pass: Green House emerged overall winners, ahead of Yellow and Blue Houses.
Speaking at the event, Deaconess Sarah Ojo, proprietress of Icclaim Schools, Ayobo, appealed to parents to encourage their children’s sporting interests, stressing that sports play a vital role in building a healthy and productive nation.
The Coordinator of the event and CEO of Wonderland Events highlighted that the Summer Sports Programme, now in its fourth year, has provided children in Abesan Estate and surrounding areas with a platform to showcase their abilities.
He expressed appreciation to the patrons of the 2025 edition — Rev. Samuel Ikpea (Green House), Engr. Musa Kida (Yellow House), and Prince Adeyemi Akinyele (Blue House) — for their consistent support.
All participants received certificates of participation, training bonuses, and special gift packs from Mr. Fruts, leaving the venue with smiles and renewed motivation to pursue their sporting ambitions.
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